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United States Patent |
5,761,547
|
Hirano
,   et al.
|
June 2, 1998
|
Optical system with multiple processors
Abstract
An optical control system which uses multiple processors to simultaneously
perform an autofocus function and an anti-vibration function. The optical
control system is specifically usable in a camera lens having an optical
system and which depends from a camera body having a main control unit.
The optical control system, housed in the lens, is provided with a
microcomputer for communication with the main control unit in the camera
body, an antideflection control microcomputer, which moves the optical
system so as to compensate for vibrations in the lens, and a microcomputer
for ultrasonic motor drive control, which performs an autofocus function
by moving the optical system with an ultrasonic motor so as to obtain a
desired focus. Instructions from the main control unit in the camera body
are received by the microcomputer for communication and directed, based on
content, to either the antideflection control microcomputer or the
microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control. In this manner, the main
control unit in the camera body is freed from having to maintain two
channels of communication and the microcomputers in the camera lens can
operate in parallel, thus increasing the speed of processing allowing for
higher quality photographs to be produced by the optical system. Further,
the microcomputer for communication, based on the signals from the main
control unit in the camera body, can instruct a power supply to
selectively supply power to the antideflection control microcomputer and
the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control to reduce the power
consumption of the lens.
Inventors:
|
Hirano; Shinichi (Tokyo, JP);
Terui; Nobuhiko (Ichikawa, JP)
|
Assignee:
|
Nikon Corporation (Tokyo, JP)
|
Appl. No.:
|
889941 |
Filed:
|
July 10, 1997 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Dec 10, 1993[JP] | 5-341586 |
| Dec 10, 1993[JP] | 5-341587 |
Current U.S. Class: |
396/55; 396/89; 396/303 |
Intern'l Class: |
G03B 005/00; G03B 013/36 |
Field of Search: |
396/52-55,48,89,303
348/208,345
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
4965619 | Oct., 1990 | Shikaumi et al. | 354/430.
|
5101230 | Mar., 1992 | Shikaumi et al. | 354/430.
|
5266981 | Nov., 1993 | Hamada et al. | 354/400.
|
5335032 | Aug., 1994 | Onuki et al. | 354/400.
|
Primary Examiner: Perkey; W. B.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/734,961,
filed Oct. 22, 1996, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 08/352,878, filed Dec. 9, 1994, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An optical control system responsive to a main control unit for
adjusting an optical system, the optical control system comprising:
an antideflection unit to compensate for vibrations in the optical system;
an autofocus unit to adjust the focus of the optical system;
a communication unit to interface with the main control unit and to
selectively transmit instructions from the main control unit to said
antideflection unit and said autofocus unit; and
a power supply unit responsive to said communication unit to selectively
supply power to said antideflection unit and to said autofocus unit.
2. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
antideflection unit comprises:
an antideflection control unit responsive to said communication unit to
output a signal indicating a desired position that the optical system must
move to in order to compensate for vibrations;
an antideflection drive unit to move the optical system to the desired
position in response to the signal from said antideflection control unit;
and
a deflection detection unit to output a signal to said antideflection
control unit indicative of deflections in the optical system caused by
vibrations.
3. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
autofocus unit comprises:
a focus control unit responsive to said communication unit to output a
signal indicating a desired position that the optical system must move to
in order to obtain a desired focus state;
a focus drive unit to move the optical system to the desired position in
response to the signal from said focus control unit; and
a focus detection unit to output a signal to said focus control unit
indicating a focus state of the optical system.
4. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:
an optical system position detection unit to output a signal indicating the
position of the optical system to said communication unit.
5. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said optical
system position detection unit outputs a signal indicating the position of
the optical system to said antideflection unit and to said autofocus unit.
6. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said
antideflection unit comprises:
an antideflection control unit responsive to said communication unit to
output a signal indicating a desired position that the optical system must
move to in order to compensate for vibration, the antideflection control
unit signal being based on the signal from said optical system position
detection unit;
an antideflection drive unit to move the optical system to the desired
position in response to the signal from said antideflection control unit;
and
a deflection detection unit to output a signal indicative of deflection in
the optical system caused by vibrations.
7. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said
autofocus unit comprises:
a focus control unit responsive to said communication unit to output a
signal indicating a desired position the optical system must move to in
order to obtain a desired focus state, the focus control unit signal being
based on the signal from said optical system position detection unit;
a focus drive unit to move the optical system to the desired position in
response to the signal from said focus control unit; and
a focus detection unit to output a signal to said focus control unit
indicating a focus state of the optical system.
8. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
said power supply unit only supplies power to said antideflection unit when
said antideflection unit is active; and
said power supply unit only supplies power to said autofocus unit when said
autofocus unit is active.
9. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said power
supply unit continuously supplies power to said communication unit.
10. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 9, wherein the main
control unit supplies power to said communication unit.
11. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 8, further comprising:
an optical system position detection unit to output a signal indicating the
position of the optical system to said communication unit.
12. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said
optical system position detection unit outputs a signal indicating the
position of the optical system to said antideflection unit and to said
autofocus unit.
13. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 12, wherein said
antideflection unit comprises:
an antideflection control unit responsive to said communication unit to
output a signal indicating a desired position that the optical system must
move to in order to compensate for vibration, the antideflection control
unit signal being based on the signal from said optical system position
detection unit;
an antideflection drive unit to move the optical system to the desired
position in response to the signal from said antideflection control unit;
and
a deflection detection unit to output a signal indicative of deflection in
the optical system sensed by vibrations.
14. An optical control system, as set forth in claim 12, wherein said
autofocus unit comprises:
a focus control unit responsive to said communication unit to output a
signal indicating a desired position the optical system must move to in
order to obtain a desired focus position, the focus control unit signal
based on the signal from said optical system position detection unit;
a focus drive unit to move the optical system to the desired focus position
in response to the signal from said focus control unit; and
a focus detection unit to output a signal to said focus control unit
indicating a focus state of the optical system.
15. A camera comprising:
a body having a main control unit; and
a lens, dependent from said body, having
an optical system;
an antideflection unit to compensate for vibrations in said optical system;
an autofocus unit to adjust the focus of said optical system;
a communication unit to interface with the main control unit and to
selectively transmit information to said antideflection unit and said
autofocus unit; and
a power supply unit responsive to said communication unit to selectively
supply power to said antideflection unit and to said autofocus unit.
16. A camera, as set forth in claim 15, wherein:
said antideflection unit includes an antideflection control unit responsive
to said communication unit to output a signal indicating a first desired
position that the optical system must move to in order to compensate for
vibrations;
an antideflection drive unit to move the optical system to the desired
position in response to the signal form said antideflection control unit;
and
a deflection detection unit to output a signal to said antideflection
control unit indicative of deflections in the optical system caused by
vibrations; and
wherein said autofocus unit includes
a focus control unit responsive to said communication unit to output a
signal indicating a second desired position that the optical system must
move to in order to obtain a desired focus position;
a focus drive unit to move the optical system to the desired focus position
in response to the signal from said focus control unit; and
a focus detection unit to output a signal to said focus control unit
indicating a focus state of the optical system.
17. A camera, as set forth in claim 16, further comprising:
an optical system positioning detection device which outputs a signal
indicating the position of the optical system to said antideflection unit,
said auto-focus unit, and said communication unit.
18. A camera, as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:
a power supply unit responsive to said communication unit to selectively
supply power to said antideflection unit and to said autofocus unit.
19. A lens for a camera having a main control unit, the lens comprising:
a communication unit to interface with the main control unit;
an optical system;
an optical system position detection unit to output a signal indicating the
position of the optical system;
an antideflection unit including
an antideflection control unit responsive to said communication unit to
output a signal indicating a first desired position that the optical
system must move to in order to compensate for vibration, the
antideflection control unit signal being based on the signal from said
optical system position detection unit;
an antideflection drive unit to move the optical system to the first
desired position in response to the signal from said antideflection
control unit; and
a deflection detection unit to output a signal indicative of deflection in
the optical system sensed by vibrations;
a focus control unit including
a focus control unit responsive to said communication unit to output a
signal indicating a second position that the optical system must move to
in order to obtain a desired focus position, the focus control unit signal
being based on the signal from said optical system position detection
unit;
a focus drive unit to move the optical system to the second desired focus
position in response to the signal from said focus control unit; and
a focus detection unit to output a signal to said focus control unit
indicating a focus state of the optical system; and
a power supply to selectively supply power to said antideflection unit and
said focus control unit.
20. An optical control system responsive to a main control unit for
adjusting an optical system, the optical control system comprising:
antideflection means for compensating for vibrations in the optical system;
autofocus means for adjusting the focus of the optical system; and
communication means for interfacing with the main control unit and
selectively transmitting instructions from the main control unit to said
antideflection means and said autofocus means.
21. A camera comprising:
a body having a main control unit; and a lens, dependent from said body,
having
an optical system;
antideflection means for compensating for vibrations in said optical
system;
autofocus means for adjusting the focus of said optical system; and
communication means for interfacing with the main control unit and
selectively transmitting information, from said main control unit, to said
antideflection means and said autofocus means.
22. A camera comprising:
a body having a main control unit which transmits control signals to
control an antideflection function and an autofocus function;
an optical system;
an antideflection unit to perform the antideflection function based on the
control signals related to the antideflection function;
an autofocus unit to perform the autofocus function based on the control
signals related to the autofocus function; and
a communication unit which interfaces with the main control unit, monitors
the control signals and only directs the control signals related to the
antideflection function to the antideflection unit and only directs the
control signals related to the autofocus function only to the autofocus
unit.
23. A camera, as set forth in claim 22, wherein the communication unit
directs the control signals related to both the antideflection function
and the autofocus function to both the antideflection unit and the
autofocus unit.
24. A camera comprising:
a body having a main control unit which transmits control signals to
control an antideflection function and an autofocus function;
an optical system;
antideflection means for performing an antideflection function based on the
control signals related to the antideflection function;
autofocus means for performing the autofocus function based on the control
signals related to the autofocus function; and
communication means for interfacing with the main control unit, monitoring
the control signals and only directing the control signals related to the
antideflection function only to the antideflection means and only
directing the control signals related to the autofocus function only to
the autofocus means.
25. A method of performing communications in a camera, the method
comprising:
preparing for communication between a main control unit, an antideflection
unit and an autofocus unit by transmitting an initialization signal from
the main control unit to both the antideflection unit and the autofocus
unit via a single communication unit;
transmitting focus control information and antideflection control
information from the main control unit to the single communication unit;
only retransmitting the focus control information from the single control
unit to the autofocus unit; and
only retransmitting the antideflection control information from the single
control unit to the antideflection unit.
26. A method of communicating with a camera body comprising:
receiving a communication preparation signal from the camera body;
retransmitting the communication preparation signal to an autofocus unit
and an antideflection unit;
receiving autofocus control signals and antideflection control signals;
only retransmitting the autofocus control signal to the autofocus control
unit; and
only retransmitting the antideflection control signal to the antideflection
control unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical control system having an
autofocus (AF) unit and an anti-vibration unit, and, more specifically, to
a camera lens equipped with multiple processors to process data related to
the AF unit and the anti-vibration unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical control systems having AF units, which move an optical lens along
an optical axis to change the focus of a camera lens, and antideflection
units (i.e. anti-vibration units) which detect the angular change of an
optical axis in a camera lens due to hand shaking and the like, are known.
Japanese Patent Publication JP-A-2-66535 and Japanese Patent Publication
JP-A-2-183217, show examples of image correction by shifting of a portion
of a photographic optical system in an internal focusing telephoto lens.
In these known devices, a CPU in the camera body generates control signals
based on information from a deflection detection unit and a focus
detection unit in the camera body, and on optical system position
information received from an encoder within the camera lens. These control
signals are transmitted to a CPU in the camera lens which controls an
antideflection drive unit and a focus drive unit. However, in these known
devices, when the control of the antideflection drive unit and the focus
drive unit is performed by the CPU in the lens, the substantial processing
time required adversely affects the flow of information being transmitted
between the camera body CPU and the lens CPU. This, in turn, adversely
affects the control and operation of other units, for example, the
deflection detection unit, focus detection unit, antideflection drive
unit, and the focus drive unit. The result is that the various functions
cannot be performed accurately at the high speeds required to produce high
quality photographs.
One method proposed to solve this problem is to provide a plurality of
control units, for example CPUs, in the camera lens to individually
control the deflection correction drive unit and the focus drive unit.
However, if information regarding optical system position, absolute
distance, and the like, are transmitted to one CPU in the camera lens,
information must still be transmitted to each of the other CPUs in the
camera lens, increasing the processing time in the CPU which is
responsible for such communication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical
control system which can control a deflection correction drive unit and a
focus drive unit accurately at high speed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a lens capable of
parallel processing using a separate communication unit such that the
antideflection drive unit and the focus drive unit can be rapidly
operated.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an optical
control system wherein position information is simultaneously transmitted
to the communication unit, the antideflection unit and the autofocus unit,
such that communication time is shortened and high speed control is
possible.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a photographic
device capable of performing an antideflection function and an autofocus
function, in parallel and at high speeds with great accuracy, while
conserving electric power consumption.
Objects of the present invention are achieved by an optical control system
responsive to a main control unit for adjusting an optical system, the
optical system comprising an antideflection unit to compensate for
vibrations in the optical system, an autofocus unit to adjust the focus of
the optical system, and a communication unit to interface with the main
control unit and to selectively transmit instructions from the main
control unit to at least of said antideflection unit and said autofocus
unit.
Yet another object of the present invention is achieved by a camera
comprising a camera body having a main control unit, and a lens, dependent
from said camera body, having an optical system, an antideflection unit to
compensate for vibrations in the optical system, an autofocus unit to
adjust the focus of the optical system, and a communication system to
interface with the main control unit and to transmit information to the
antideflection unit and the autofocus unit.
Objects of the present invention are further achieved by a lens for a
camera having a main control unit, the lens comprising a communication
unit to interface with the main control unit, an optical system, an
optical system position detection unit to output a signal indicating the
position of the optical system, an antideflection unit including an
antideflection control unit responsive to the communication unit to output
a signal indicating a first desired position that the optical system must
move to in order to compensate for vibration, the antideflection control
unit signal being based on the signal from the optical system position
detection unit, an antideflection drive unit to move the optical system to
the first desired position in response to the signal from the
antideflection control unit, and a deflection detection unit to output a
signal indicative of deflection in the optical system caused by
vibrations, a focus control unit including a focus control unit responsive
to the communication unit to output a signal indicating a second desired
position that the optical system must move to in order to obtain a desired
focus position, the focus control unit signal being based on the signal
from the optical system position detection unit, a focus drive unit to
move the optical system to the second desired position in response to the
signal from the focus control unit, and a focus detection unit to output a
signal to the focus control unit indicating a focus state of the optical
system, and a power supply to selectively supply power to the
antideflection unit and the focus control unit.
Objects of the present invention are also achieved in a photographic device
comprising a body and a lens having an optical system, a deflection
detection unit to detect deflection of an optical axis of the optical
system, an antideflection drive unit to cause a relative shift between a
portion or the whole of the optical system and a picture plane, and an
antideflection control unit forming a control signal for the
antideflection drive unit based on the output of a deflection detection
unit, a focus detection unit to detect the state of focus of the optical
system, a focus unit, to move a portion or the whole of the optical system
in the direction of the optical axis, a focus control unit forming a
control signal for the focus drive unit based on the output of the focus
detection unit, and an optical system position detector, to detect the
position of the optical system, a communication unit adapted to
communicate with the body, a main control unit for controlling the
antideflection drive control unit, based on control signals from the
antideflection control unit transmitted via the communication unit, and on
position information transmitted from the optical system position
detector, the main control unit controlling the focus drive unit based on
control signals from the focus control unit transmitted via the
communication unit and on position information transmitted from the
optical system position detector.
Objects of the present invention are also achieved in a photographic device
wherein an optical system position detector simultaneously transmits
position information to a communication control unit, an antideflection
unit, and an autofocus unit.
Objects of the present invention may also be achieved by providing a
photographic device having a body and a lens, the lens having an optical
system, a deflection detection unit to detect deflection of an optical
axis of the optical system, an antideflection drive unit to relatively
shift a portion of the optical system with respect to a picture plane, an
antideflection control unit to output a signal to control the
antideflection drive unit, a focus detection unit to detect the state of
focus of the optical system, a focus drive unit to move a portion of the
optical system along the optical axis, a focus control unit to control the
focus drive unit based on the output of the focus detection unit, an
optical system position detection unit to output a signal indicative of
the position of the optical system, a communication unit to perform
communication with the body, a main control unit for controlling the
antideflection control unit based on control signals from the
antideflection control unit transmitted via the communication unit, and
the signal from the optical system position detection unit, the main
control unit controlling the focus control unit based on control signals
from the focus control unit transmitted via the communication unit, and on
the signal from the optical system position detection unit, and an
electric supply unit to supply electric power to the communication unit,
the antideflection unit, and the autofocus control unit, the electric
supply unit supplying power only to those units which are in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of
the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an optical control system in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of an optical control system
in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing antideflection calculation in the optical
control system of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing antideflection control in the optical
control system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an optical control system in accordance with a
second embodiment to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of an optical control system
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments
to the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an optical control system according to
the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
1 the optical control system is for use in a photographic device, and more
specifically, in a camera lens for attachment to a camera body.
The optical control system, according to the first preferred embodiment of
the present invention, is equipped with a microcomputer for communication
1, an antideflection control microcomputer 2 which serves as an
antideflection control unit for an antideflection unit, and a
microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3 which serves as a focus
control unit for an autofocus unit. The microcomputer for communication 1
performs communication with the camera body and transmits instructions to
the antideflection control microcomputer 2 and the microcomputer for
ultrasonic motor control 3. The antideflection control microcomputer 2,
controls the drive of an antideflection drive unit comprising an X axis
drive motor 7 ("XM"), an X axis motor driver 8, a Y axis drive motor 1
("YM"), and a Y axis motor driver 12. The microcomputer for ultrasonic
motor control 3 controls the ultrasonic motor 19 to drive an optical
system (not shown) in the camera lens. A lens contact point 4, connected
to the microcomputer for communication 1, is comprised of a group of
electrical contact points for delivery and receipt of signals to and from
the camera body.
The antideflection unit has an X encoder 5 which outputs a signal
indicative of the amount of motion of the optical system in the X axis
direction to an X encoder IC 6. The X encoder IC 6 converts the signal
from the X encoder 5 into electrical signals usable by the antideflection
control microcomputer 2. An X axis motor 7 drives the optical system on
the X axis in response to signals from an X axis motor driver 8.
Similarly, the Y encoder 9 detects the amount of motion of the optical
system in the Y axis direction and outputs a signal to the Y encoder IC
10. The Y encoder IC 10 converts the signal from the Y encoder 9 into
electrical signals, usable by the antideflection control microcomputer 2.
The Y axis drive motor 11 drives the optical system on the Y axis in
response to signals from the Y axis motor driver 12. In this preferred
embodiment, the signals from the X encoder IC 6 and the Y encoder IC 10
use pulses to indicate movement of the optical system. The antideflection
control microcomputer 2 transmits control signals to the X axis motor
driver 8 and the Y axis motor driver 12 to indicate how to move the
optical system. The antideflection unit is controlled based on the output
of an antideflection master control unit (not shown) in the camera body
and on optical system position information output by the X encoder IC 6
and the Y encoder IC 10. An antideflection head amplifier 13, serving as a
deflection detection unit for the antideflection unit, detects the amount
of deflection of the optical axis of the optical system and outputs an
analog signal indicative of image blur to the antideflection control
microcomputer 2.
The autofocus unit, as described for the first embodiment of the present
invention, uses an ultrasonic motor 19 ("USM") to move the optical system
along the optical axis to obtain focus. A USM encoder 17 detects the
amount of movement of the ultrasonic motor 19. The USM encoder 17 is
Connected to a USM encoder IC 18 which converts the amount of movement of
the ultrasonic motor 19 into an electrical signal. In this preferred
embodiment, a pulse is transmitted for each unit the optical system moves.
The signal from the USM encoder 17 is transmitted to the microcomputer for
ultrasonic motor control 3. An ultrasonic motor drive circuit 20 connected
to the ultrasonic motor 19, has the characteristic drive frequency of the
ultrasonic motor 19, and generates two drive signals having a mutual phase
difference of 90.degree.. The ultrasonic motor IC 21 serves as an
interface between the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3 and the
ultrasonic motor drive circuit 20.
A zoom encoder 14 detects the position of the optical system, converts it
into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the
microcomputer for communication 1, the antideflection control
microcomputer 2, and the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3.
Similarly, a distance encoder 15 detects the range of an object being
photographed and outputs an electrical signal to the microcomputer for
communication 1 and the antideflection control microcomputer 2.
A DC-DC converter 16 supplies a DC voltage, stabilized against changes of
the battery voltage to the microcomputer for communication 1.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operational sequence of events of the
microcomputer for communication 1, the antideflection control
microcomputer 2, and the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3,
used in the optical control system according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
In step S200, the microcomputer for communication 1 prepares for
communication. Simultaneously, the antideflection control microcomputer 2
prepares for communication in step S201, and the microcomputer for
ultrasonic motor control prepares for communication in step S202.
Thereafter, in step S203, the microcomputer for communication 1
communicates with the camera body via the contact point 4.
In step S204, the microcomputer for communication 1 receives instruction
from the camera body and transmits focus control instructions to the
microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3.
In step S205, the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3 performs
focus control based on information from the zoom encoder 14 and the
distance encoder 15.
In step S206, the microcomputer for communication 1 receives instructions
from the camera body and transmits antideflection control instructions to
the antideflection control microcomputer 2.
In step S207, the antideflection control microcomputer 2 performs
antideflection calculations, as set forth with reference to FIG. 3,
describer hereinafter.
In step S208, the antideflection control microcomputer 2 performs
antideflection control, as set forth with reference to FIG. 4, describer
hereinafter.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the sequence for performing antideflection
calculations for the photographic device in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention.
In step S301, the antideflection head amplifier 13 is initialized.
In step S302, the analog signal output of the antideflection head amplifier
13 is converted into digital information.
In step S303, the level corresponding to a zero angular velocity is
detected from the digital information created in step S302.
In step S304, an amplifier conversion factor is calculated to convert the
output voltage from the antideflection head amplifier 13 into an
indication of control speed.
In step S305, control speeds for the X axis drive motor 7 and the Y axis
drive motor 11 are calculated using the results obtained in steps S303 and
S304.
In step S306, the results calculated in step S305 are corrected, with
respect to the control speed, for the displacement amount error of the
X-axis and Y-axis establishment angle and 90.degree..
In step S307 the motor control speed is corrected using hand tremor
rotation center position information obtained from the zoom encoder 14,
the distance encoder 15 and the results obtained in S306.
In step S308, a phase lag correction calculation is performed for the
results obtained in step S307 to account for the signal path length from
the antideflection control microcomputer 2 to the antideflection head
amplifier 13.
In step S309, a PWM, i.e. pulse width modification, duty of the X motor
driver 8 and of the Y motor driver 12 are calculated using the information
from the zoom encoder 14, the distance encoder 15, and the results
calculated in S308.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operational sequence for performing
antideflection control of the optical system according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In step S401, a PWM duty signal is generated for the X motor driver 8 and
for the Y motor driver 12 by the antideflection control microcomputer 2
based on the result of step S309.
In step S402, the pulses output from the X encoder 5 and the Y encoder 9
are counted, by the microcomputer 2 for antideflection control 2, to
obtain position information for the optical system.
In step S403, the optical system is moved to a center position, based on a
correction value equal to the difference between the count value obtained
in step S402 and the lens center position.
In step S404, a control speed is calculated from the count value obtained
in step S402.
In step S405, a control PWM duty correction computation is performed based
on the control speed calculated in step S404.
In step S406, limit arrival control is performed if the optical system has
reached a control limit position, i.e. a position which limits the range
of movement of the optical system.
In this manner, the functions of communication, antideflection control, and
ultrasonic motor use for AF are independently controlled.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the camera body, using plural
microcomputer, performs film advance control, mirror drive control, strobe
control, AF control, and external display control. The control of related
functions in the camera body, with the exception of AF control and strobe
control, leaves a sufficient time margin for control of lens related
functions after the end of an exposure or with respect to the commencement
of exposure. Moreover, with respect to strobe control during exposure, the
microcomputers in the camera body do not directly participate, allowing
further time for control of lens related functions. In the preferred
embodiments, AF control occurs directly before exposure (i.e. after
depression of a shutter release button, and up to opening of a shutter),
while antideflection control starts prior to exposure and continues
through exposure. In either case, the time allowed for control is very
short, and because the accuracy of this control directly affects the
resultant image, the required degree of accuracy is very high in
comparison with other control functions. Control by plural microcomputers
in the camera lens, as set forth in the first preferred embodiment,
facilitates effective control within strict time limitations.
Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described
with respect to a particular configuration for the optical control system,
it will be recognized that the first embodiment is not limited to the
particular configuration, and modifications and changes are possible. For
example, while the Y encoder 9 and the X encoder 5 have been described as
outputting pulses indicative of the movement of an optical lens, it will
be recognized that other signals may be used to indicate movement of the
lens, for example, increasing or decreasing the voltage or current of a
signal in relationship to the position of the lens. Further, while the AF
function has been described with respect toward using an ultrasonic motor
19 for moving the focusing lens along an optical axis, it will be
recognized that other types of motors are usable.
FIG. 5 is block diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of an optical
control system for use in a photographic device according to the present
invention. According to the second preferred embodiment, the DC-DC
converter 16 provides an electrical supply not only to the microcomputer
for communication 1, but also to the antideflection control microcomputer
2 and to the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3. Further, the
microcomputer for communication 1 also receives an electrical supply from
the camera body (not shown) via lens contact point 4. Using this
configuration, the DC-DC converter 16 can selectively supply power to each
of the three microcomputers 1, 2, and 3, only when the microcomputers are
in use, thereby reducing electric power consumption. Selective control of
the DC-DC converter 16 is preferably achieved by the microcomputer for
communication 1.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the operation of the photographic device in
accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
In steps S200, S201, S202 the microcomputer for communication 1, the
antideflection control microcomputer 2 and the microcomputer for
ultrasonic motor control 3, respectively, are simultaneously prepared for
communication. Thereafter, in step S203 the microcomputer for
communication 1 communicates with the camera body to obtain instructions.
In step S204, the instructions from the camera body are tested and if
antideflection control is required, flow proceeds to step S205. If
antideflection control is required, flow proceeds to step S209.
In step S205, the microcomputer for communication 1 instructs the DC-DC
converter 6 to supply electric power to the antideflection control
microcomputer 2. Thereafter, in step S206, the microcomputer for
communication 1 transmits antideflection control instructions, received
from the camera body, to the antideflection control microcomputer 2. In
steps S207 and steps S208 antideflection calculation and antideflection
control as described in the first embodiment, with respect to FIGS. 3 and
4, is performed. In step S209, the microcomputer for communication 1
instructs the DC-DC converter 16 to shut down electric supply for the
antideflection control microcomputer.
After the microcomputer for communication has instructed the antideflection
control microcomputer 2 to perform antideflection control, flow proceeds
to step S210. In step S210, the instructions from the camera body are
tested to determine whether focus control is necessary. If focus control
is necessary, flow proceeds to step S211; if, on the other hand, no focus
control is necessary, flow proceeds to S214.
In step S211, the microcomputer for communication 1 instructs the DC-DC
converter to supply electric power to the microcomputer for ultrasonic
control 3. Thereafter, in step S212 the microcomputer for communication 1
transmits focus control instructions, received from the camera body, to
the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control 3. Focus control is carried
out by the microcomputer for ultrasonic motor control in step S213.
In step S214, the microcomputer for communication 1 instructs the DC-DC
converter 16 to shut down the electric power supply to the microcomputer
for ultrasonic motor control 3.
In the photographic device, as set forth in the second preferred
embodiment, electric current is only supplied to those sub-systems which
are in use, thereby diminishing the power requirements of the photographic
device. However, parallel operation of the various sub-systems is still
possible, allowing increased speed and accuracy in the antideflection and
autofocus functions as set forth in the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
Although the second embodiment of the present invention has been described
with respect to a particular configuration for the optical control system,
it will be recognized that the second embodiment is not limited to the
particular configuration and modifications and changes are possible. For
example, while the DC-DC converter has been described with respect to
receiving instructions from the microcomputer for communication 1, it will
be recognized that such instructions could be transmitted directly from
the camera body.
Although few preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been
shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the
principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in
the claims and their equivalents.
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